Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care

When your child is suddenly feeling under the weather or has an accident, and your primary pediatrician isn’t available, you may immediately think, “emergency room.” However, going to the ER isn’t always the best solution for your child.

When Should I Come to Care+ Pediatrics Urgent Care Clinic?

If your child is sick or injured, and your primary pediatrician’s office is closed, you may not have to go to the emergency room. Instead, consider coming to our pediatric urgent care clinic. Our team of highly qualified pediatric providers can assist you in the following scenarios.

Emergency rooms do NOT typically have specially trained pediatric providers. Also, trips to the ER are notoriously time-consuming and expensive. The ER is rarely necessary, but we can help you make the best choice between the emergency room and Care+.

When Should I Come to Care+ Pediatrics Urgent Care Clinic?

• If your child has cold or flu-like symptoms

• If you suspect your child has an ear infection or sinus infection

• If your child has a sore throat

• If your child has experienced episodes of vomiting or diarrhea

• If you suspect your child has a sprain, fracture or broken bone

• If your child has a wound that may require stitches

• If your child has a rash.

• If you suspect your child is dehydrated

• If you suspect your child has swallowed a foreign body or has a foreign body in their ear or nose

When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

• If your infant (3 weeks or younger) has a fever of 100+ degrees

• If your child hits their head, loses consciousness and isn’t acting like their normal shelf 

• If your child has a seizure

• If your child has severe difficulty breathing

• If your child has a gaping wound that requires more than a few stitches

• If your child has a broken bone that is obviously deformed or dislocated

If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to go to the emergency room immediately – DO NOT WAIT.